Do you hear the people singLost in the valley of the night?
It is the music of a people
Who are climbing to the light.

For the wretched of the earth
There is a flame that never dies.
Even the darkest night will end
And the sun will rise.

They will live again in freedom
In the garden of the Lord.
They will walk behind the plough-share,
They will put away the sword.
The chain will be broken
And all men will have their reward.

Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Do you hear the people sing?
Say, do you hear the distant drums?
It is the future that they bring
When tomorrow comes!

Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Do you hear the people sing?
Say, do you hear the distant drums?
It is the future that they bring
When tomorrow comes...
Tomorrow comes!

Lyrics taken from http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/l/les_miserables/finale.html

Click "Correct" to open the "Correction form". There you can add structure tags, correct typos or add missing words. Send your correction and get karma points! Result of your work will appear after moderating.

hotlyrics

songmeanings

It means resilience of the human spirit to me. I saw this song performed on september 14, 2001, it was the first performance after 9/11, and the whole theater was on its feet, just wringing with emotion. I still can't hear this song or read the lyrics without tearing up. It is so hopeful for a future better than what is in the moment, and we so need to act upon and find that hope. Kc in springfield, or.

Add your reply

u

+2

UnregisteredDec 8, 2013 at 6:10 pm

I believe it is about people climbing towards the light, in other words, God or heaven, seen in context with where Jean Valjean has just gone when he died. The reference walk behind the plough share and put away the sword is a Biblical one. The revolution of the soldiers failed but there is a world beyond the spiritual barricade with God. This song gives me chills and hope too!

Add your reply

u

0

UnregisteredOct 24, 2016 at 6:29 am

In the first verse, the implied meaning is actually quite biblical, and it's possibly derived from Psalm 23 that says “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” They're 'climbing to the light' could mean that they are seeking the comfort that God promised them and they're strengthening themselves in the Lord through singing.
In the second verse, the wretched could mean the persecuted, and that the Holy Spirit (who manifested Himself on the day of Pentecost as tongues of fire) will still burn ever so brightly in their hearts. In this part, 'They will live again in freedom/In the garden of the Lord./They will walk behind the plough-share,/
They will put away the sword./The chain will be broken.
And all men will have their reward. ' speaks of the world to come. (I. E there is hope for the future, even thought the revolution is far from over).

Add your reply

u

0

UnregisteredMay 13, 2015 at 6:46 pm

The barricade boys are all dead. However, though the Barricade Boys may have fallen, they have not lost the revolution. The revolution is far from over. Those who believe in what is right will continue to fight for the right of the people. Once justice has been brought to the people, those who fought shall be rewarded. Those who died fighting for what they believed in shall be rewarded with God in their afterlife. The brave who fought bring a bright new future for all of France.

Add your reply

Write about your feelings and thoughts

Know what this song is about? Does it mean anything special hidden between the lines to you? Share your meaning with community, make it interesting and valuable. Make sure you've read our simple
tips

Hey! It's useful.

If this song really means something special to you, describe your feelings and thoughts. Don't hesitate to explain what songwriters and singer wanted to say. Also we collected some tips and tricks for you:

Don't write just "I love this song." Hidden between the lines, words and thoughts sometimes hold many different not yet explained meanings